Describes the development and evaluation of PLEXUS, an expert system used to aid microcomputer retrieval of referral sources.

This six-volume set presents cutting-edge advances and applications of expert systems. Because expert systems combine the expertise of engineers, computer scientists, and computer programmers, each group will benefit from buying this important reference work. An "expert system" is a knowledge-based computer system that emulates the decision-making ability of a human expert. The primary role of the expert system is to perform appropriate functions under the close supervision of the human, whose work is supported by that expert system. In the reverse, this same expert system can monitor and double check the human in the performance of a task. Human-computer interaction in our highly complex world requires the development of a wide array of expert systems. Expert systems techniques and applications are presented for a diverse array of topics including Experimental design and decision support The integration of machine learning with knowledge acquisition for the design of expert systems Process planning in design and manufacturing systems and process control applications Knowledge discovery in large-scale knowledge bases Robotic systems Geograhphic information systems Image analysis, recognition and interpretation Cellular automata methods for pattern recognition Real-time fault tolerant control systems CAD-based vision systems in pattern matching processes Financial systems Agricultural applications Medical diagnosis

This book, first published in 1989, introduces readers to expert systems applications in many areas of library and information science, and presents design and implementation issues encountered by librarians who have developed early systems to address the library reference function. Systems for ready reference, online database access, and enhancement of subject searching in online catalogues are all explored. Theoretical issues related to expert systems are balanced with descriptions of actual systems currently operating or under development. Reference librarians interested in computing and automation, library managers and administrators, as well as teachers and students in library schools, will be fascinated by this account of how expert systems are helping to make the expertise of the reference librarian available in a more consistent and timely fashion and reduce the burden of repetitive, predictable questions for the professional.